Heir Island, also known as Hare Island or Inishodriscol (), is an island in southwest County Cork, Ireland. It has a year-round population of around 25–30. The island is 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. It is the fourth-largest of Carbery's Hundred Isles, after Sherkin Island, Clear Island and Long Island. It is near Cunnamore Pier, which is its main access point. History The island was once inhabited by approximately 400 people. The McCarthy and O'Neill families are known for living on this island for years, the latter in fact owned the original island post office. To make a living on the Island the inhabitants either fished or farmed the land but were often unable to make an adequate living, as a result many of the young people emigrated to England, USA and Australia. There are still many descendants of the original islanders living and working on the island. As a result of the emigration, many of the houses were sold in the 1960s and those who bought them often restored the original houses as holiday homes which visitors can see dotted around the island. Today There is a small hamlet on the island; the old main residential area known as Paris which is noted for the bridge, which is only wide enough for one car to pass. This hamlet was once the centre of the island's fishing activities due to the fact that the landing, pickling and barrelling of the day's catch was done there. Many of the ruins on the island reflect the years when the island's population was higher. The schoolhouse and schoolmaster's house are on the island's main road. The island also has 2 piers and today the shop's location is in Burke's (home of the Roaringwater Sailing School). The island has a wildlife preserve and several beaches. These include the Sandy Beach (or Trá Bán), a sandy stretch on the east side of the island which faces Baltimore. The beach is used as a landing point for small craft during the summer months. The main way to get to the island is via the island ferry, the M.V Thresher, which departs from Cunnamore point to the island's main pier 6 times a day, every 2 hours, from 8am to 6pm during the summer. This ferry also operates routes from adjacent islands and Baltimore upon special request. Another ferry which services the islands is the